• Speaking recently, Acting Party Leader Oburu Odinga declared, “If we have to go for a lower position, it must not be lower than number two (Deputy President) in any formation.” His remarks have sparked widespread political debate, with leaders offering varied interpretations of ODM’s strategic posture.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has drawn a clear line in the sand ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling that it will not accept any position lower than that of Deputy President in any future political coalition.

Speaking recently, Acting Party Leader Oburu Odinga declared, “If we have to go for a lower position, it must not be lower than number two (Deputy President) in any formation.” His remarks have sparked widespread political debate, with leaders offering varied interpretations of ODM’s strategic posture.

Speaking on November 6, 2025 on national television, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda has urged observers not to view Oburu’s statement as a hardline ultimatum. “That is just a position they have given for the sake of moving forward,” he explained. “We should see it as a party saying that if we go into coalition, consider us as a partner.”

Ojienda has emphasized that ODM’s stance is more about signaling its seriousness in coalition negotiations than issuing demands. He added that should the coalition broaden beyond ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), ODM would define its role within that expanded alliance. “ODM will definitely support William Ruto in 2027,” he affirmed.

Mandera Deputy Governor Dr. Ali Maalim has echoed Ojienda’s sentiments, describing Oburu’s remarks as both timely and strategic. “It was right for ODM and Oburu to give a directive and guidance to the nation and to the ODM party to say that they are still there and they are heading somewhere,” he said.

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Dr. Maalim has also reminded Kenyans that ODM is already part of the current government.

“For Oburu to come out saying that in order for us to continue with the legacy of Ruto, we have to make it clear that since we are spotting for two terms, the only other thing ODM could do was to take the second most influential position. It came in timely and it is part of honoring Raila Odinga.”

Adding a regional lens to the conversation, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo stressed the importance of national balance in selecting a Deputy President.

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo. (Photo credit: People Daily)

“One of the things to look at when choosing a DP is that you must balance the country,” he said. “If the running mate for President Ruto in 2027 is going to be from ODM, then it will most probably be Hassan Joho.”

Maanzo has suggested that the ODM nominee should ideally come from either the Eastern or Coastal regions to reflect Kenya’s diversity and foster national unity.

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